Cosmetics apparatus

ABSTRACT

A container for health and beauty aids having a novel cap and a cap therefor are disclosed. The cap has a recess in which an entertainment device is disposed, including at least one die or pair of dice for entertaining a child.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. Nonprovisionalapplication Ser. No. 09/818,241 filed Mar. 28, 2001 (pending), which isa continuation of U.S. Nonprovisional application Ser. No. 09/353,204filed Jul. 14, 1999 (pending), which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/093,857 filed Jul. 23, 1998, U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/097,642 filed Aug. 24, 1998, U.S.Provisional Application Serial No. 60/118,036 filed Feb. 1, 1999, andU.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/132,527 filed May 5, 1999.The priority of all of those applications is claimed, and thedisclosures of all of those applications are fully incorporated hereinby reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Cosmetics containers are well known in the art. A large varietyof such containers are currently commercialized and sold. They includesmall cases, such as tubes or circular cases for containing lipstick,mascara, eyeliner, lipliner, nail polish, and other health and beautyaids. Such containers, with the cosmetics included therein, are widelyused by people from adolescence to old age. It is an object of thepresent invention to provide a novel series of new containers of healthand beauty aids, as well as new cosmetics, particularly for girls intheir teenage years.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide novel healthand beauty aids containers for girls in their teenage years.

[0004] It is a further object of the present invention to provide healthand beauty aids containers having novel devices integrated or associatedtherewith.

[0005] It is a further object of the present invention to provide anintegrated multipurpose health and beauty aids container.

[0006] It is a further object of present invention to provide a new nailpolish composition for use to coat a person's nails.

[0007] Further objects of the present invention will become apparent inconjunction with the disclosure herein.

[0008] In accordance with the present invention, a series of novelcontainers for health and beauty aids are provided herein having devicesassociated therewith. A variety of different devices are disclosed,including, but not limited to, toys, light making devices, sound makingdevices, tactile devices, and so forth. The devices can be integratedinto the cosmetics container or attached thereto, whether to an internalportion of the container, to the exterior, or to the container wallsthemselves. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, the devices canbe integrated into hair accessories, and/or other home, bath and beautyproducts.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inventionfulfills the above and other objects and includes a cosmetics containerhaving a recess adapted to hold cosmetics and a cap securable onto themain section sealing the recess. An entertainment device is incorporatedin the cap. In a preferred embodiment, the entertainment device includesa touch activated light package disposed in the cap. The light packagepreferably includes a light source, a power supply electricallyconnected to the light source, and a touch switch connected to the lightsource and the power supply. When the touch switch is depressed, thelight source is activated. Alternatively or in addition, a soundgenerating device is provided. When the touch switch is depressed, thesound generating device is activated.

[0010] In further embodiments of the invention, the inventions hereincan be used in any health and beauty aids, including cosmetics, home,bath and beauty products. The inventions could also be used inconjunction with hair accessories, footwear accessories, and so forth.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a compact case as a first embodimentof the invention.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a side view of a cap for a cosmetics container asanother embodiment of the invention.

[0013]FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the cap of FIG. 2.

[0014]FIG. 4 is a side view of a different cap for a cosmetics containeras a third embodiment of the invention.

[0015]FIG. 5 is a side view of a still different cap for a cosmeticscontainer as a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[0016]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of theinvention.

[0017]FIG. 7 is a side sectional view of a cosmetics container as asixth embodiment of the invention.

[0018]FIG. 8 is a side view of a seventh embodiment of the invention.

[0019]FIGS. 9a-f are schematics of an eighth embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Description of the invention will now be given with reference toFIGS. 1-9 f. As shown in connection with the attached drawings, inaccordance with the present invention, a variety of different cosmeticscontainers are provided having entertainment devices associatedtherewith. The containers can be tubular, circular, cylindrical,jarlike, or any other shape, and include any of the containers used inthe art for containing cosmetics, whether lipstick, mascara, eyeliner,lipliner, nail polish or so forth.

[0021] The inventions are particularly suited for girls in their teenageyears, although, women of a range of ages may find them particularlynovel and enjoyable. Moreover, although a series of embodiments areprovided herein, the embodiments are not meant as a limitation, asfurther embodiments may be provided consistent with the presentdisclosure and the appended claims. Likewise, combinations of theembodiments described below may be provided, as well.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 1, in a first embodiment of the invention, oneor more light making devices are incorporated into a cosmetics case,such as a cosmetics compact container 18. Container 18 is provided witha mechanism 22 for activating a light 26. Mechanism 22 can be a pressureactivated switch (as shown in the figure), a rotating member (notshown), or any other of the numerous types of switches known in the art.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, switch or mechanism 22 closesa connection allowing current to flow from a battery to complete acircuit illuminating the light. However, this method is not exclusive,and any method known in the art for activating a light can be utilizedconsistent with the present invention.

[0024] In alternative embodiments of the invention, as with the otherentertainment devices of the present invention, the entertainment devicecan be interior to the case or external to it. Thus, in the light-makingdevice embodiments, the light 26 can be within the case, as describedabove, or can be on the case's exterior or surface. For example, in oneembodiment of the invention, light 26 is located within the interior ofcosmetics container 18. In one such embodiment, walls 33 of thecosmetics container 18 are transparent or translucent so that, uponactivation, the light 26 is visible through the walls of the case. In afurther embodiment, the walls are opaque, such that the lightilluminates inside the container to provide an effect when the cap isremoved. In yet a further embodiment, light or lights 26 are provided onthe outside of the container, in one or more positions 36, to form apleasing visual effect.

[0025] Light 26 can be any one of the many types of lights available inthe art. A standard light can be provided, a blinking light, a series oflights (such as a traffic light), a neon or glowing light as shown inFIG. 3, a “black light”, or so forth. Thus, in one embodiment, the lightcan be a blinking light located within the case which goes on wheneverthe user opens it. Or, the light can be a light on the exterior of thecase which the user can turn on at will, for example to provide a seriesof the blinking lights on the exterior (as shown by elements 36 in FIG.1). The light or entertainment device can be provided to a standardshaped container, or can be provided to a container with a novel shape,such as the shape of a star, as with a transparent or translucent starshaped internally lit container.

[0026] In the embodiment shown, the light is manually turned on by theuser when the user desires, as, for example, by application of pressureto mechanism 22. In an alternative embodiment, the light can beactivated automatically, i.e. whenever the user opens the cosmeticscontainer, which in the present example is effected by opening the shellof the cosmetics container.

[0027] Another embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2-3 is a capfor cosmetics containers such as those used to contain nail polish andthe like. The transparent or translucent cap of the cosmetics containercomprises a microvibrator circuit with two transistors connected toliquid crystals or light emitting diodes (LEDs). By pressing on the cap,the microvibrator is activated and produces a blinking light ofdifferent colors. The inside surface of the cap can be designed to focusor refract the light and to provide a further visual effect, e.g. usingreflective safety lighting material. In one embodiment, such refractivematerial in the cap is a refractive, faceted, plastic such as are usedin the reflectors for the wheels of bicycles and the like.

[0028] In a further embodiment, pressure sensitive liquid crystals canalternatively or additionally be used in the plastic cap. When pressureis applied to the cap, the crystals produces different colors inresponse. These colors can vary in appearance depending on the angle oflight hitting the cap.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, cap 100 has a base 102 having screw-onthreads 104 internally disposed. Alternatively, base 102 may be of thesnap-on variety. The top, preferably globular portion, of cap 100 ispredominantly hollow. Retaining ring 106 keeps lens or refractor 108secured to the top of cap 100. Lens 108 is preferably transparent ortranslucent to allow visual examination of the entertainment devicedisposed within the cap. Lens 108 may also be provided with a reflectoror refractor to change the appearance of the contents of the cap.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, disposed in the hollow recess of cap 100 islight package 109. Light package 109 includes LEDs 110 mounted oncircuit board 112. Battery or batteries 114 are also mounted on circuitboard 112 and provide power for light package 109. Circuit board 112sits on a platform (not shown) in cap 100 and rests on an elastic piece116.

[0031] In one embodiment, when the user depresses the top of cap 100,e.g., lens 108, circuit board 112 is pressed downward by the rim of lens108 thereby pressing touch switch 118 into contact with elastic piece116. This contact activates a circuit (not shown) on circuit board 112which causes batteries 114 to activate LEDs 110. Preferably, a timer isbuilt into the circuit so that LEDs 110 are automatically deactivatedafter a predetermined period of time. Also preferably, instead of merelylighting LEDs 110 steadily, a blinking or flickering pattern of flashinglights may be preprogrammed into the circuit.

[0032] In addition to its value for providing a pleasing visual effect,an internal light for a cosmetics case can be useful to allow a woman toilluminate the case or a mirror in the case, when she opens it. This canbe particularly useful to allow the woman to apply makeup when she is ina dimly or non-illuminated area.

[0033] In the alternative or in addition to LEDs 110, cap 100 mayinclude a noise or sound generating device connected to the circuit andtouch switch 118 in the same manner as LEDs 110. Thus, when the userdepresses lens 108, the sound generating device is activated. Any soundor noise is contemplated, e.g., music, animal noises, sound effects,verbal messages, etc.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the present invention, a flexibleelectroluminescent material and/or reflective safety lighting is appliedto the cosmetics container as the desired lighting.

[0035] The flexible electroluminescent technology is currently known inthe art. The technology uses a thin, flexible, paper-like material whichilluminates in response to the passage of electricity therethrough. Thismaterial can be in a strip form or so forth. This flexibleelectroluminescent lighting technology is produced, for example, bySmartec Smart Technology, a Hong Kong company. Either theelectroluminescent wire (“EL wire”) or electroluminescent plate (ELplate) currently available (or any other electroluminescent form ofmaterial) can be used in conjunction with the present invention.

[0036] Illumination of the material produces a pleasing visualappearance to the observer. For example, the material can illuminate toproduce a neon blue lit block through the strip. The illumination can beconstant or can be periodic to produce a blinking effect. Any shapedmaterial can be provided. For example, the material can be made into anydecorative shape desired, such as a geometric shape, a fruit orvegetable shape, charms (such as a locket), a key hole, a seasonaldesign (such as Christmas tree), animated characters, or so on.

[0037] The reflective safety lighting is also known in the art. Suchsafety lighting is well known, and is utilized, for example, inreflectors used by bicyclists and pedestrians. Such reflectors aregenerally made of a plastic material and reflect light which is incidenton the reflector. In one embodiment of these reflectors, a large numberof cut facets in the material reflects light off of the reflector,making the reflector easier to see, particularly in low lightingconditions. They are currently used to make bicycles and pedestriansmore visible to motor vehicles, especially during the nighttime. Anywalls of the container body or cap can be constructed from thereflective safety lighting material.

[0038] The electroluminescent technology and/or reflective safetylighting can be used in conjunction with any of the embodiments of thepresent invention.

[0039] For example, any of the walls or portions of the container or capcan be provided with the electroluminescent technology previouslydescribed. In one embodiment, the strip is provided within the walls ofthe container or pouch, or between a double walled portion. The strip isconnected to a power source which is used to direct electricity throughthe strip, causing it to illuminate. A power button or other mechanismis used to turn power on and off, illuminating the strip either withconstant illumination or blinking illumination.

[0040] As with the other embodiments of the invention, the invention canbe applied to numerous different types of cosmetics containers. Thus,although the invention is described in FIG. 1 with reference to acosmetics compact (e.g. for mascara) the invention can be provided in alipstick case, a nail polish cap, a cosmetics jar, or any othercontainer for cosmetics. For example, FIGS. 2-3 show a cap which may beused for a container of nail polish.

[0041] In further embodiments of the invention, novel cosmetic pouchesand/or plastic or dome caps of cosmetics cases can be provided. In somesuch embodiments, such pouches and caps may be partially or totallyfilled with colored water or any other colored liquid or gel. Forexample, in one embodiment, the cap has transparent double walls and thespace between the walls contains such colored liquid or gel. Likewise,the cap (or other portion) of a cosmetics container (or cosmetics pouch)can be dome shaped, with the dome having liquid therein. Small toys mayalso be suspended in this liquid or gel, as shown in FIG. 4. Cap 140 issubstantially hollow and contains liquid 142. The liquid may include asuspension of a plurality of small items 144 such as glitter, confetti,or reflective or non-reflective items in any shape desired.Alternatively or in addition, the liquid 142 may include two or moreimmiscible fluids of different colors and, optionally, differentviscosities. A user may shake the cap and container and observe thefluid(s) and/or suspended items moving around.

[0042] In further embodiments of the invention, the cosmetics containerhas a toy integrated therein or attached thereto. For example, a “kooshball” may be attached or affixed to the cosmetics container. This kooshball can further be of the glow in the dark variety, if desired.

[0043] Numerous other toys can be integrated with or attached to thecosmetics case in accordance with the present invention. These toys canbe integrated with or attached to any portion of the cosmeticscontainer, whether as part of the container walls, the container's lidor cap, or so forth.

[0044] In one embodiment, the toy is a compass. In a further embodiment,dice are provided in the walls of the container or attached thereto. Forexample, a container wall can be provided which can be opened to removethe dice from within the walls of the container. In a furtherembodiment, other trinkets are provided within the container or itswalls. In a further embodiment, the toy is a game device.

[0045] In another embodiment, the toy is a combination type lock. Ifdesired, this combination type lock, or another lock, can be used to“lock” the cosmetics case. Alternatively, it can be used for purelyvisual effect, or to be locked and unlocked merely as an amusement, orto lock the cosmetics case to an object.

[0046] In another embodiment a mirror can be provided on the outside ofthe cosmetics container. The mirror can be circular in shape or of anyother shape desired. As an alternative to a mirror, the cover or anyportion of the outside of the container can have a cutout of a differentcolor or composition than its background. For example, the cover of acosmetics container can be a material such as plastic which is opaque incolor with a shaped area which is of a different color, or transparent,or translucent. The reverse is also possible. Likewise, the cutout areacan be illuminated by a light beneath it, or the background to thecutout can be illuminated.

[0047] In yet a further embodiment, the toy can be one in which the userattempts to manipulate small metal balls into specific holes. In anotherembodiment, the user attempts to manipulate small metal balls through amaze. Or, the user could attempt to manipulate small toy cars intoparking spaces. The latter is currently used in the small, handheld,“Parking the Car” game toy, which is commercially available.

[0048] In a further embodiment, the toy is a chalk board type of slate.This chalk board can be on the exterior or in the interior of thecontainer, and is preferably provided with chalk for the user'samusement. In another embodiment, the toy is a puzzle type game withmovable puzzle pieces. In another embodiment, the container (e.g. itscap or lid etc.) can have a tambourine integrated therewith or attachedthereto.

[0049] Alternatively, the container can have a roulette wheel integratedtherewith or attached thereto. This allows the user to “play roulette”with the cosmetics case. In another alternate embodiment, the containercan have a magnifying glass. In yet a further embodiment, the containercan be or can include a round clear plastic exterior ball containinganother round object (such as a spherical compass) that swivels androtates within it. In another embodiment, the container can include aninking stamp.

[0050] In another embodiment, the container can include finger puppets.These puppets can be attached to the cap of a cosmetics container,either removably or permanently. Alternatively, toy hats or the like canbe attached to the cap of the cosmetics container.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the cosmetics container can have awhistle, or a pencil sharpener attached or as an integral part of thecap of the container. This is particularly useful for lipstickcontainers, or the cap of a nail polish container. Instead of a whistle,an eraser can be provided, or a colored pencil, or a pen, a crayon, or apencil.

[0052] Numerous other types of toys can be provided as part of thecosmetics container. The cap can include or have affixed a winding tubecontaining liquid, or a water “love meter” type of cap containingliquid. Alternatively, the liquid in the cap can be oil based, orviscous, such that it flows slowly. Or, the cap can contain a “waterwheel,” in which water flows from one chamber or portion of the cap toanother. Instead of flowing water, flowing powder can be used, as withan hourglass.

[0053] Additional types of toys which can be attached to or part of acap, or another portion of the cosmetics container are shown in thefigures, as well. The cap can be shaped as a screwdriver. Or, it can beshaped as a faucet fixture. The cap can also be shaped as a “U.F.O.top”™. Or, it can have feathers or Malibu feathers on it.

[0054] The cap can be of a colorful acrylic or, it can be of a “laceplastic,” e.g. a plastic having lace within it. The cap could,alternatively, have glitter embedded therein.

[0055] The cap or cosmetics container can also have a toy which makessounds affixed thereto or integral therewith, e.g., a “groan tube.” Sucha toy makes sounds when it flipped in orientation. Alternatively, itcould have such toys as a miniature telephone toy, a keyboard type toy,a guitar type toy, or a toy having buttons on it, each of whichgenerates a predetermined sound. The entire cosmetics container could bein the shape of any one of these toys (e.g. a mini phone), or could havethe toy on its cap. Each of these toys preferably have buttons on it,which, when depressed, generate sounds or musical tones.

[0056] In other embodiments of the invention, the toy can be an“Etch-a-Sketch”® type device for drawing. Or, the toy can be a dome witha die or dice beneath it which are popped around in response to pressureon the dome, e.g., a “pop-o-matic®”, as in the popular game “Trouble®”as shown in FIG. 5. As is known in the art, the pop-o-matic 160typically includes a flexible sheet 162 and a cover or dome 164. A dieor dice 166 are disposed on—but not secured to—sheet 162. Sheet 162 isbiased in a first position. Depressing the dome 164 pushes sheet 162into a second position. Releasing the dome causes the natural biasingforce of the sheet to snap back to its first position, randomly“tossing” the dice 166 inside dome 164. Alternatively, any othermechanism for achieving this effect can be utilized.

[0057] The toy can also be a “swirl and spin” type of game in whichthere is a dome top and a rotating platform at the base of the dome, theplatform being rotated in response to pressure on an actuating mechanismon the top of the dome, or being capable of being rotated manually. Onesuch activating mechanism may include a pull cord.

[0058] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cap has a clearouter surface and a hollowed out interior with a rotatable picture, orthe like, located therein. As opposed to a picture, a roulette typewheel, or any other desired object can be included therein. A lever onthe side of the cap is moved to cause the picture or internal object tospin. If a roulette wheel is used, a silver ball is included in theinterior, which will drop into one of the slots of the roulette wheelwhen the spinning of the wheel is complete.

[0059] As another embodiment, the toy may be activatable by a pull cord,e.g., a talking doll, a Speakand-Spell®, or the like. The pull cord maycause sounds and/or lights to be generated and/or may cause relativemotion of one or more components of the toy.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 6, in a further embodiment of the invention thecosmetics container has a stencil 300 attached to it. Such a stencil maybe attached to the bottom, side, top, or to the lid cover of thecontainer. The stencil is used by the consumer to apply nail polish tonails in a desired shape, by placing the stencil over the nail andapplying nail polish to the stencil. A cut out portion 310 of thestencil 300 may have any desired shape and may be used for applicationof this design. Nail polish is applied to the stencil through the cutout portion 310, which results in the application of polish to merely aportion of the user's nail in a desired shape, as shown in the figure.The stencil can be removed and reattached to the bottle, if desired.This invention, like the other inventions in the present application,can be used in conjunction with any of the other inventions of thepresent inventor, or with any other features or technologies known inthe art.

[0061] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cosmetics containeris multifunctional, providing two or more types of cosmetics in anintegrated container designed to deliver both. In the preferredembodiment, an integrated container is provided for delivering bothlipstick and nail-polish from the same unit. The two types of cosmeticsare nestled together, as with a mini lipstick cap within a cap.Preferably, however, the multifunctional unit is as in the design shownin FIG. 7. As shown in FIG. 7, cosmetics container 60 includes a cap 64having an upper section 68 and a lower section 72. Upper section 68includes lipstick 70 and lower section 72 includes a nail polish brush76 attached thereto. Nail polish brush 76 dips into nail polish 80.Upper section 68 and lower section 72 are secured to each other at seam78, and preferably detach from each other along that seam. For example,upper section 68 can screw into lower section 72 to allow the uppersection to be screwed in and out of the lower section. Thus, a user canmaintain her nail polish and lipstick together integrated into the samecontainer. In this manner, she always has them together on hand, anddoes not need to separately search for both types of cosmetics when shewants to apply them. Moreover, if desired, she can change and vary thelipstick attached to the nail polish bottle, (or she can vary theparticular nail polish) so that she has the desired combination ofcosmetics (for that day, or week or so forth) kept together.

[0062] Any of the above inventions can also be provided in conjunctionwith a cosmetics container that has a dome shape, preferably clearcover, although opaque covers are possible, as well.

[0063] The cosmetics containers, for example bottles and jars, can bemade of a frosted or opaque glass with clear window-like designs. Thisfrosted or opaque section can be on any portion of the container. Thesedesigns can be in any desired shape, whether the shape of hearts,butterflies, daisies, stars and so on, as further disclosed below withrespect to the container cover. The design can be frosted (or opaque)with the background being clear, or vice versa.

[0064] Likewise, the containers can also have clear covers which have ashape provided on them (e.g. a cutout shape hot stamped thereon). Theopposite is also possible, with the background of the cover being opaqueand the foreground being of a clear design. This figure can also be inany desired shape, whether a geometric shape, fruit or vegetable shape,charms (such as a locket), a key hole, a seasonal design (such asChristmas tree), animated characters, or so on. The actual hot stampwhich makes the design look and feel like it is part of the lid covercould be in any color and any type of decorative paper, resin orplastic, including, for example, a holographic design orglow-in-the-dark plastic. The background of the cover can also be hotstamped instead of the foreground. Different designs can also beelectroplated onto the cosmetics container or its cover. Theelectroplating technique may also be used for other decorative purposesin connection with the present invention.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the invention, the container issimilar to that of U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,318, issued Jul. 2, 1996, thedisclosure of which is fully incorporated herein by reference. However,in the present invention, instead of holding candy, the holder holdslipstick, lipliner, chap-stick or the like therein.

[0066] In a further embodiment of the invention, a cosmetic compositionand method for application to a woman's nails is provided. Thecomposition is a new nail polish for application to a woman's nails.Specifically, the nail polish is a paint composition previously used forcars and motorcycles. This paint composition has been sold under thebrand name DIAMONT, and labelled EXTREME, by BASF Corporation AutomotiveRefinish, located in Dearborn Mich., 48124. The color type is MIS-28067Rainbow (Midcoat on). According to the label, the composition appears toconsist of N-Butyl Acetate 123-86-4; Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 108-10-1;Xylene 1330-20-7; Trade Secret 489909 5017-P-NLR; Ethyl Benzene 10-d41-4; and remaining contents partially unknown, although the exactcontents of the bottle are best obtained from the manufacturer to theextent they are available.

[0067] This composition creates a polish containing three differentcolors, although it is believed that other numbers of colors may bepossible as well. The paint composition produces an unusual effectwherein the polish appears different or of different colors fromdifferent angles, analogous to (although not identical to) the effectobserved in an oil slick. Although the sample referred to above producesan effect with the three colors blue, purple and green, the invention isnot, of course, intended to be limited to those three particular colors.

[0068] In accordance with the method of the present invention, thispaint or composition, which was previously applied to cars andmotorcycles, is applied to a woman's nails. Specifically, thecomposition is provided to users in a nail polish bottle, as with theprior nail polish bottles common in the art. In accordance with themethod, a person can then use this nail polish composition to apply thenail polish composition to the person's own or to another's nails.

[0069] In an additional embodiment of the invention, the cosmeticscontained in the cosmetics container can further include gel caps orconfetti. By gel caps, the present inventor refers to small capsulessuch as those currently used in shower gels, which contain oils therein.One example of currently available gel caps which can be used with thepresent inventions are the gel caps sold by Lipo Chemicals, Inc. ofPatterson N.J., under the trademark Hypan® Hydrogels. According to themanufacturer, Hypan® Hydrogels are a family of hydrophilic/hydrophobicblock copolymers which exhibits thixotropic behavior, resulting inimproved tactile properties, waterproofing, emulsification, andviscosity improvement. They are available as anionic, cationic andamphoterics, for elegantly versatile cosmetic formulations.

[0070] By confetti, the present inventor refers to an additive forcosmetic, personal care, and topical treatment products which consistsof decorative and functional flakes suspended in a moisturizing gelbase. According to the manufacturer, the product adds an artisticquality to clear products while also contributing moisturization anddelivering an oil soluble active ingredient directly to the skin. Theproduct is provided by United-Guardian, Inc. of Hauppauge, N.Y.

[0071] In accordance with the present invention, however, the gel capscan include oils, and/or colored material, and/or powders, and/orglitters, and/or fragrances. These gel caps are preferably suspended ina water-based gel such as body gel, hair gel, or so forth, or in anon-water based material such as a lacquer. Upon application of thecosmetic to the user, the gel cap will streak different colors, andrelease a powder, glitter, oils, conditioning oils or materials, orfragrances.

[0072] Instead of a gel cap, crystals of one or more colors can be used.Such crystals can produce pleasing color or multi-color effects. Thecrystals can be used in any color cosmetic substance, although, in thepreferred embodiment they are used in a dark base.

[0073] In an additional embodiment of the invention, the cosmeticscontained in the cosmetics container is a gel-like substance that can beused as a mascara, lipstick, lip-gloss, cream or any other knowncosmetics. The gel can contain fragrance, as well. In one preferredembodiment, the fragrance is created using a “headspace” technology. Theheadspace technology samples and then replicates different aromaprofiles which correlate to some aroma perceived by human nose andbrain. This technology is provided, for example, by ACS Labs and ASIST,Inc. of Cleveland, Ohio. For example, headspace technology can be usedto sample and then recreate the smell of a spring field after arainstorm, or a tropical beach, or a summer garden, or so forth. Thisscent can be added directly to the gel or to the gel caps describedabove.

[0074] A photochromic or thermochromic effect can also be added to thegel, in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.The photochromic effect will allow the gel to change color shade (e.g.from a shade ranging from blue to yellow) in response to light (e.g.ultraviolet light provided by sunlight). The thermochromic effect willallow the gel to change color shade ranging from blue to yellowdepending on the temperature. In one embodiment, dark colors appear inresponse to warm temperatures and light colors appear in response tocool temperatures. Glitters, crystals and gel caps described above canalso be added to the gel. Additionally, a temperature or light sensitiveoil may be applied to the glitter foil creating glitters that willchange their color based on temperature or light. Two or more gels withdifferent effects can be combined in one container creating a two-toneeffect or multi-effect when applied.

[0075] In a further embodiment of the invention, holographic images areprovided on the cosmetic container. For example there can be placed on asticker on the container, or placed directly onto the container materialitself. They can be used with any of the containers described herein. Inone preferred embodiment, they can be used in a dome cap. Likewise, theycan also be used with or without lights and/or music, and/or on amini-turntable or spinning platform to create a “spinning effect”.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the invention, a suspended toy isplaced in the cosmetic in the container. This toy can be fabricated inany shape desired, such as, a fruit, an instrument, a specific person orcharacter, or so forth. It can also be made of any material desired,such as glass, plastic, gel, wood, metal, or so forth. Alternatively,the toy could be a gel bead, such as those described above, which isshaped in the desired shape of the fruit, instrument, person orcharacter, or whatever other specific object is desired, rather than aspherical or capsular gel bead as is known in the art. The toy can beenclosed in any shape container or type of container, with any type ofcosmetic fill (e.g. polish, gel, mascara, compact, etc.). The toy couldbe a gel cap or could be plastic.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the invention, a toy is attached tothe container, preferably on its outside, such as a spinning pinwheel orwindmill. This toy could be one which spins when the air or wind blowson it, or could be of the “wind-up” variety, which are wound up and thenreleased to spin freely.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cosmetics containeris shaped as a tea ball or tea egg, i.e. those containers which havebeen used in the past to soak tea leaves in water; however, inaccordance with the present invention, cosmetics are placed therein. Inan alternative embodiment of the invention, fragrances or fragrantobjects are placed in the tea egg. The tea egg can be separate and byitself, or can be attached to a chain, such as a key-chain for example,or to a clip. The outside of the tea egg can be metallic, or can becovered with some coloring or substance. In one embodiment, the tea eggwill glow in the dark. It is preferred that, rather than being merelyrandom or symmetrical, the holes in the side of the egg are arranged tomake the shape of an object. For example, in one preferred embodiment,the holes in the side of the tea egg make the shape of one or morehearts. One tea egg, in accordance with the invention, is shown in FIG.8.

[0079] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cosmetics containeris a flip-top type of container, as shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 9a is a frontcross-sectional view of the container in a closed position, inaccordance with the invention. FIG. 9b is a front view of the invention.FIG. 9c and FIG. 9d are a side view and a back view, respectively, ofthe cosmetics container of the invention. FIG. 9e is a frontcross-section of the container in an open position, in accordance withthe invention. FIG. 9f is a side view of the container in accordancewith a further embodiment.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 9a, a container 210 is provided. The container210 is similar to the construction of the Power Rangers® toy previouslysold to children. In accordance with the invention, however, thecontainer is provided with a cosmetics preparation therein. In thepreferred embodiment of the present invention, the container is used tohold a cosmetic preparation for application to the lips, such aslipstick or lip-liner. Cosmetics container 210 includes a base 236mounted on pivots 220. Secured to base 236 is lipstick or lip-liner 244.In the normal, resting position, depicted in FIG. 9a, lipstick orlip-liner 244 is housed inside the cosmetics container 210 with thelipstick or lip-liner held in the downward or upside down position.

[0081] As shown in FIG. 9b, when the container is closed, and thelipstick or lipliner is held downward, cover flap 228 on the outside ofcosmetics container 210 covers lipstick or lipliner 244. Cover flap 228is mounted on pivots 270, with springs located on the inside of thecontainer to bias the cover to the closed position in which the coverflap 228 is flush with the outside of the container. Cover flap 228includes activation mechanism 250, which, preferably is a protuberancesuch as an elevated square of rectangular section, which sticks out fromor above cover flap 228.

[0082] To use the container, the user presses down on activationmechanism 250. Exerting pressure on activation mechanism 250, rotatescover flap 228 and back flap or cover 264. Cover flap 228 rotates aboutpivot 270 and back flap 264 rotates about pivot 272, with the top end ofboth the cover flap 228 and the back flap 264 rotating away fromcontainer 210 to provide a clear path for lipstick 244 to rotate.Normally, cover flap 228 rests against base 236, preventing the basefrom rotating. Base 236 of container 210 is spring mounted such that,when cover flap 228 is removed, base 236 rotates outward to movelipstick or lip-liner into the upright position shown in FIG. 9e.

[0083] To close the container, the user can press on the base to rotateit back into the resting position shown in FIG. 9a. Alternatively, theuser can pull on extension 269 which has rotated into the downwardfacing position, to pull it into the upward facing position, therebyrotating lipstick or lipliner 244 downward. In one embodiment of theinvention, extension 269 can be in the shape of a toy or a character, aperson's head, or any other desired object.

[0084] In accordance with the invention, any of the embodiments of thepresent invention can likewise be used in conjunction with hairaccessories, with the hair accessory being modified in a manner similarto the modification of the cosmetics container or product disclosedherein. Likewise, any of the embodiments of the present invention canalso be provided with respect to or in conjunction with other home, bathand/or beauty products, as desired.

[0085] Having described this invention with regard to specificembodiments, it is to be understood that the description is not meant asa limitation since further embodiments, modifications and variations maybe apparent or may suggest themselves to those skilled in the art. It isintended that the present application cover all such embodiments,modifications and variations. The scope of the invention is defined bythe claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising the steps of: (a) providing acontainer for entertaining a child; (b) said container comprising arecess holding cosmetics therein; (c) said cosmetics being selected fromthe group consisting of: nail polish, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick,lipliner, and lipgloss; (d) said container further comprising anentertainment device, said entertainment device comprising at least onedie, said entertainment device further comprising a mechanism fortossing said die.
 2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidentertainment device comprises a flexible sheet and a cover, said diebeing on said sheet, and wherein depressing said cover causes said dieto be tossed.
 3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein saidentertainment device comprising at least two of said dice.
 4. A methodas claimed in claim 1, wherein said entertainment device furthercomprises a device which produces a light for entertaining the child. 5.A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said entertainment devicefurther comprises a device which produces sound for entertaining thechild.
 6. A method as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sound comprises averbal message.
 7. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidentertainment device further comprises a device which produces light andsound for entertaining the child.
 8. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said container is a bottle.
 9. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said cosmetics comprises glitter.
 10. A method as claimed inclaim 1, wherein said container further comprises a cap, and whereinsaid entertainment device is part of said cap.
 11. A method as claimedin claim 1, wherein said container comprises a cap and saidentertainment device is part of said cap, said cap comprising a facetedplastic.
 12. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said entertainmentdevice further comprises a device which produces a blinking light forentertaining the child.
 13. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein saidentertainment device further comprises a device which produces a coloredlight for entertaining the child.
 14. A method as claimed in claim 1,wherein said entertainment device further comprises a light forentertaining the child, wherein said light is activatable from saidexterior of said container and wherein, upon activation of said light,said light is visible though said walls of said container.
 15. A methodas claimed in claim 4, further comprising a timer, and wherein saidtimer is set to deactivate said light a predetermined period afteractivation of said light.
 16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5,wherein said sound comprises at least one musical tone.
 17. An apparatusas claimed in claim 5, wherein said sound comprises music.
 18. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sound comprises soundeffects.
 19. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said soundcomprises animal noises.
 20. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, whereinsaid sound is produced by a sound generating source, and wherein saidsound generating source produces sounds when the orientation of saidsound generating source is changed.
 21. An apparatus as claimed in claim5, wherein at least a portion of said cosmetics container is in theshape of a musical instrument.
 22. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5,wherein the sound comprises the sound of a musical instrument.
 23. Anapparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sound is touch activated.24. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein said sound is a verbalmessage.